About Iron Forest

I love trees.

I love the beautiful architectural qualities that they possess, the textures and colours that they exhibit, and the fact that each one has a unique form. When I began crafting pieces from wood, I often felt that it was a shame to lose some of this contorted, natural beauty by having to fashion the curves of a tree trunk into straight, workable timbers. I found myself, instead, devising ways in which to form supportive structures around large pieces of natural wood, thereby, allowing it to retain a good portion of its natural shape and character.

Iron forest is a small artisan furniture business operating out of a historic C17th stone-built workshop within the famous Ironbridge Gorge world heritage site. By using carved iron and steel elements inspired by the historic industrial surroundings, I now create unique pieces that combine strikingly contrasting materials and allow the organic beauty of large, native timbers to really shine. I personally design, carve, shape and craft every piece from hand-picked, responsibly managed, local timbers giving each one its own unique sculptural quality.

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Alexander Shermer: founder

Inspiration

The Ironbridge Gorge has been a hive of industry since the C17th century, and was once the largest industrial site in the world. The area pioneered the use of coke to smelt iron allowing it to become an important location at the birth of the industrial revolution. ​​Though the town and the majestic C18th Iron Bridge still stand, only a scattering of industrial activity remains. There are many romantic industrial ruins overgrown by trees as the valley has returned to its forested state.

​This juxtaposition between the historic man-made industrial architecture of the Gorge and the return of the natural, ethereal woodlands maintains an almost mystical quality and has become the inspiration for the combnation of rustic timbers and decorative iron and steelwork in every piece.

Responsibly sourced materials

A core principle of Iron Forest is to utilise only responsibly sourced English hardwoods or reclaimed materials.​ A percentage of profits on each sale is donated to the Woodland Trust who work to preserve and replant woodlands throughout the UK.

Built to last

Each designs is sturdily built using robust iron, steel and high quality timbers. With a little care and maintainance, each piece should last a lifetime which also helps to reduce impact on the natural environment.